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Planning for Capital Projects
An initiative of the Gates Family Foundation, Denver, Colorado
In 2003, the Gates Family Foundation
developed a web-based guide that provides nonprofits
with a step-by step approach to planning for facility
expansion and capital campaigns, beginning with an
assessment of the organization’s readiness, including
fundraising strategies, and ending with construction and
long-term maintenance. In the past year, the Foundation
updated both the PowerPoint and desktop reference (PDF)
versions. A talented team of experts in construction,
fundraising, lending, high performance (green)
buildings, website development, and nonprofit management
served as reviewers.
The guide is available in two versions:
as an
Executive Summary in PowerPoint and as a full length
Handbook in a Word PDF
format. We have found the Executive Summary to be the
best way to get familiar with the guide or to
communicate the process to one's staff or board. The
handbook makes an excellent desk reference. While the
core guide is now complete, it is considered a living
document. Suggestions on improvement are always
welcome!
The Gates Family Foundation, which
focuses on grants for capital projects in Colorado,
developed the guide to encourage nonprofits to plan
earlier and more effectively and thus avoid costly and
all- too- common mistakes. While it is not necessary to
follow all the steps outlined, understanding the reasons
for them is important for large and small organizations.
The guide has been used in workshops for over 400
nonprofits since its creation.
Nonprofits about to embark on a
capital project are encouraged to investigate green
building practices. The Rocky Mountain Institute and the
U.S. Green Building Council have partnered to produce a
compelling film that documents the business case for
building green. Check out this
new documentary
that profiles more than a dozen LEED projects and
features interviews with CEOs, school administrators,
government officials, building managers and designers
who recognize the real benefits of going green. While
the video focuses on mostly on larger organizations, the
advantages of planning early and considering high
performance building should be helpful to any
organization.
The Foundation welcomes your feedback
(info@gatesfamilyfoundation.org)
Tom Kaesemeyer
Executive Director
Gates Family Foundation
tkaesemeyer@gatesfamilyfoundation.org
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